Things that you might like to know about Brisbane.

Brisbane with a population of approx 1.7 million people is Australia's third largest city.

Located in the South East Corner of the state of Queensland it is ideally located right in the middle of the beautiful Sunshine & Gold Coast areas which are the premier holiday destinations for both domestic and international tourists.

Brisbane itself is a river city with the Brisbane River winding gently through the middle of the city. The river is named after the Governor of New South Wales, Sir Thomas Brisbane. 

     
The river is crossed by 12 bridges, the most famous of which is the Story Bridge which is the symbol of Brisbane.

The bridge itself is always being compared to the Sydney Harbour Bridge but depending on which state you are from and where your allegiance lies as to which one is the best.

Visitors can now climb the Story Bridge for an uninterrupted 360 degree views of the city. This sis only one of 4 bridge climbs in the world.
More information about this climb can be found at:  climbs@storybridgeadventureclimb.com.au

Brisbane is blessed with beautiful weather all year round. Average temperatures range between 20 - 29 C (68-84F) in the summer season and a very pleasant 9 - 20 C (48-68F) in winter.

Standard time zone for Brisbane is UTC/GMT + 10 hours. There is no daylight saving in Queensland.

Another icon unique to Brisbane is xxxx beer. This beer has been brewed for over 125 years and the brewery sign has become as wekk known as the beer itself.

Visitors can now see how this famous beer is made and sample it during another of Brisbane's iconic day tours. For more information on this tour contact: www.xxxx.com.au

If shopping takes your fancy Brisbane has a multitude of shops and shopping arcades to suit all budgets.

The Queen Street Mall.

Is located in the centre of downtown Brisbane. It's a traffic free mall which is home to over 1000 shops & 4 major department stores, including Myer. Sidewalk cafes are dotted throughout this wonderfull shoppers paradise just to sit down and relax and have a break before you continue on that belated shopping spree.

The Treasury Casino is located at the end of the Queen Street Mall where you Can try your luck on the Blackjack tables of maybe the pokies.

The Treasury Casino is a blend of modern and old cultures with fine dining and bistro eateries it certainly is worth a look during your visit to Brisbane.

You never know you could be the next "big winner"

Chinatown.

Located in Fortitude Valley, this is where Chinese traders have been pedalling their wares for many years. 2 Traditional Chinese gates gaurd the entrance to the Chinatown Mall at both ends.

This mall was established in 1987 and is decorated in pagodas and pavillions which are typical architectural structures of the Chinese. Chinese new year as well as many festivals are held in this mall.

Don't forget the Brunswick Street Markets held every weekend to pick up that bargain.

This is located just down from the mall.

Mt Cootha Summit
Located only 8 klms from downtown Brisbane and is an ideal location to view  the skyline of this beautiful city. Depending on the weather conditions of the day you can see out to Moreton Bay and down to the mountain range behind the Gold Coast Hinterland

Roma Street Parkland

This is a nature wonderland located in the heart of the bustling city of Brisbane. This parkland was once the old Roma Street rail yards and now has been transformed into a lush garden setting for all to enjoy. The wall of Epiphytes and the Garden of 1000 lilies are a must to visit as you take time to admire the nature aspects of life even though you are only a stones throw away from the city centre.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.     www.koala.net/index.htm


No visit to Brisbane would be complete without the wonders of the Austalian bush right here in the city.

Get up close and personal and feed the Koala's and Kangaroo's at this wonderland of Australian Flora & Fauna.

Australia Zoo -  www.australiazoo.com.au

What more is there to say.

The home of the original & best "croc hunter" Steve Irwin

Take the family for a scenic drive to this Sunshine Coast Tourist Icon and see for yourself what dreams allow you to do.

Fraser Island

A taste of this World Heritage listed paradise will leave you feeling charmed and captivated. This exceptional natural environment is the largest sand island in the world and the only place on the planet where rainforest grows on sand.

Noosa Everglades

If Noosa means golden beaches, fabulous dining and great shopping to you, you will be pleasantly surprised to discover another secret side of Noosa - the Noosa Everglades. Hidden just outside of Noosa is an undiscovered paradise, the Noosa Everglades - a system of enigmatic dark waterways, crystal lakes, golden beaches, sand dunes and rocky headlands. The gateway to Cooloola and the world renowned Fraser Island, the Everglades are part of the Great Sandy National Park and is about 2 hours north of Brisbane.

Glass House Mountains

Situated about 70km or one hour's drive north of Brisbane, the Glass House Mountains Craggy volcanic peaks tower above pine plantations, eucalypt forests and open fields. Easy and also complicated walking tracks, lead to peaks and lookouts, offering great panoramic views of the area.

South Bank

The heart of Brisbane's culture, entertainment, recreation and education, Brisbane's South Bank enjoys one of Brisbane's best locations and is so different to any other lifestyle precinct in the world.
At South Bank the elements which comprise an idyllic Queensland lifestyle blend to form a vibrant precinct which attracts more than 11 million people a year and which has earned the precinct the reputation of Brisbane's number one tourist destination and "people place".

Gold Coast

Stretching 35km north from Coolangatta at Queensland's southern border, the Gold Coast is the most developed stretch of land in Australia. High-rise condominiums, restaurants, theme parks and massive shopping malls line the shore, enticing fun-seekers to consume and party.